As South Africa marks Women's Month, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is spotlighting the women leading the delivery of transport and public infrastructure projects that are reshaping Johannesburg into a more connected, inclusive and accessible city. As the infrastructure development agency of the City of Johannesburg, the JDA recognises that building a more inclusive, connected and resilient city requires diverse perspectives.
Across its transport and public infrastructure programmes, women are increasingly leading projects that improve mobility, stimulate local economies and create safer, more accessible public spaces for residents.
This commitment extends beyond project delivery. During the 2025/26 financial year, the JDA empowered 152 women through its Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), creating meaningful employment opportunities while equipping participants with workplace experience and skills that support long-term economic participation.
The JDA also continues to advance supplier transformation by supporting women-owned and women-led enterprises across its infrastructure portfolio. Several flagship transport projects currently under way demonstrate how women are contributing to the delivery of complex engineering and construction programmes.
One project advancing this vision is the Rivonia Road Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Station, a key component of the City's expanding public transport network that will improve connectivity between Alexandra, Sandton and the Johannesburg inner city.
Professional services company Izicwe Consulting, responsible for construction project management, engineering, and environmental health and safety consultancy on the project, has seven women serving in site management roles.
The Selby BRT Depot Phase Two project is another example of women contributing to infrastructure delivery. The project is undertaken by KPA Civils (Pty) Ltd, a youth-owned civil engineering and construction company with 60% women ownership.
By supporting women-led contractors on strategic transport infrastructure projects, the JDA is contributing to the growth of women-owned businesses within South Africa's construction and engineering sectors while ensuring the delivery of high-quality public infrastructure.
The Cosmo City Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) Phase Two project further demonstrates how women are helping to shape Johannesburg's transport future.
Implemented by Pheladi Noko Construction, a 51% women-owned construction company, the project focuses on improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure through safer walkways, accessible public spaces and enhanced connectivity. The project embodies the JDA's Complete Streets approach, prioritising infrastructure that serves pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and motorists.
These initiatives contribute to a more representative construction industry while ensuring that the City's development agenda reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
“Infrastructure is ultimately about improving people's lives. By empowering women across the infrastructure sector — from engineers and project managers to contractors and EPWP participants — we are transforming the construction industry and creating a transport system that is more inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of all Johannesburg residents," said JDA CEO Themba Mathibe.
Written by Kenneth Nxumalo
11/08/2026
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